Deal to end precarious conditions for home helps
A proposed deal has been struck between Siptu and the HSE to end precarious work practices for the 8,000 home help workers employed in the community sector.
According to the union’s health division organiser, Paul Bell, the deal will see: A “substantial” increase in home care hours for the most vulnerable citizens in communities; Travel time for home helps being included in their take-home pay and hours of work; A new “and more relevant” job title and the introduction of a set of minimum qualifications for future intakes of home helps.
Mr Bell said the agreement was under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission and followed a threat of industrial action this month by a number of the affected workers.
“These proposals are another step towards securing a quality home care service with fully qualified workers providing care for people who wish to remain in their own home, in their own community,” he said.
Siptu sector organiser Marie Butler said the union members will now consider the proposals “and the opportunity it provides for home helps to make the transition to becoming health care support assistants”.
“Our members in the home care sector have traditionally worked in often precarious jobs within the community sector, with no security concerning their pay or conditions. Acceptance of these proposals could change that and bring their jobs in line with the terms and conditions of other HSE workers,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Irish Foster Care Association’s annual report for 2017 has revealed while its support helpline dealt with fewer cases last year — 906 as compared to 932 the year previous — the complexity of the cases was more pronounced. It received 1,726 inbound contacts — calls, emails, and in person — compared to 1,445 in 2016.
“The highest percentage of primary issues brought to our attention was in respect of allegations,” it said.
“However, we have begun to see cases in relation to adoption as well as cases relating to private placement arrangements.”
Catherine Bond, IFCA’s chief executive, said: “It is through information and knowledge that everyone working with children can optimise their care experiences for the better, be confident in their knowledge, and be familiar with the systems in which they engage.
This is especially important with regards to allegations made against foster carers which we know can happen.
She said it is essential there is confidence in the system and in its response.
“A key advocacy platform for IFCA during the year was to seek one policy to respond to allegations made against foster carers, and we welcomed the ‘interim policy’ as devised by Tusla in the spring,” it said.
“There is further work required in this area for a uniform formal policy to be put in place.”
